Firstly there is the hybrid, which was the first supermini hybrid on the market in the UK when it came out last year.

And now there is a new 1.2-litre petrol-driven model that comes fitted with stop/start technology.

The Jazz Hybrid gets free road tax for the first year and is only £10 after that because of 104g/km emissions.

It uses the same 1339cc engine as the 1.4 Jazz but with batteries and an electric motor to help out.

Drive is to the front wheels through a very easy CVT automatic gearbox.

But this is no plug-in hybrid. The batteries are charged as you decelerate and brake and, if necessary, in normal running.

The main advantage of this over other possible hybrids is that it has lost none of the Jazz’s famous practicality.

The extra weight of the batteries does give it a different feel, but it is nippy, reasonably comfortable, very refined and very economical.

A neat touch inside is the dash lighting, which is green when driving economically, but gradually changes to red as you put your foot down.

There is space for four in comfort, the rear seats fold down in one easy movement to make a huge load area, and there is lots of storage around the cabin.

But if the hybrid, which costs from £16,300 to £19,355 depending on the spec, is too pricey for you there is another way for Jazz fans to enjoy better efficiency and lower emissions by opting for a 1.2 i-VTEC model.

The Japanese firm have introduced their fuel-saving Idle Stop technology to this Jazz version, which now delivers fuel economy of 54.3mpg and CO2 emissions of 120g/km – representing an improvement of 3g/km.

This drop in emissions means the car, which costs £12,870, now sits in tax band C and costs £30 a year to tax.

It sits above the S grade in the model line-up.

It has air con and also benefits from the addition of Auto Climate Control and body-coloured door handles and mirrors.

Idle Stop technology is already a standard feature in all Honda’s hybrid models – CR-Z, Jazz Hybrid and Insight – as well as across the new Civic range.

You can be assured, with a Jazz, you’re being kinder to your pocket and the planet.